Fiorentina journalist Lorenzo Lepore has revealed why he believes that new Brentford signing Michael Kayode is “prepared for the Premier League” after his transfer to west London.Brentford head coach Thomas Frank not too long ago stated that , which is echoed by Lorenzo, who’s assured that the right-back will excel for the Bees and go on to be an Italy worldwide.
Kayode has been at Fiorentina since 2021, however final season was his first within the first staff. How would you summarise his performances in 2023/24?
Kayode had already proven promising qualities throughout his time in Fiorentina’s youth academy however, final yr, after discovering area within the first staff, he delivered glorious performances that earned him the Italian Golden Boy award.
Essential to his growth was coach Vincenzo Italiano, who trusted him from the very first matchday, the place Kayode made his debut with an excellent efficiency.
Did you anticipate Premier League golf equipment could be focused on signing him this season?
For a participant along with his traits, the curiosity of a Premier League membership was predictable. A participant of his calibre, particularly within the place he performs, is unlikely to switch to a different staff in Serie A except it’s a prime membership.
The English league appears to be the proper context for him and his skills.
What are his strengths as a participant?
He possesses top-tier athletic qualities: he’s explosive, glorious in physique positioning, and intensely tough to beat one-on-one.
Below Vincenzo Italiano, he was one of many hardest defenders to dribble previous in Serie A, and his pace allowed him to get well shortly when he was overwhelmed.
His technical abilities nonetheless want growth, however Brentford looks as if the perfect surroundings to work on this facet. Tactically, I believe he’s prepared for the Premier League. He excels at deep defensive diagonals however may refine his marking contained in the penalty space.
‘He’s explosive, glorious in physique positioning, and intensely tough to beat one-on-one… he was one of many hardest defenders to dribble previous in Serie A and his pace allowed him to get well shortly when he was overwhelmed’
Does he favor to play as a right-back or right-wing-back?
He largely performed as a right-back in a four-man defence below Italiano, the place he carried out exceptionally. Throughout his time within the Primavera squad [Fiorentina’s youth team], coached by Alberto Aquilani, he as a substitute performed as a right-wing-back in a five-man midfield, a task by which he additionally did very effectively.
He’s, due to this fact, a flexible participant, able to performing successfully in each positions.
How have followers reacted to the information of his departure?
Regardless of not discovering a lot area this yr below Raffaele Palladino, his departure has disillusioned many Fiorentina followers. After his glorious performances final season, many had been hooked up to him, particularly due to his connection to the youth academy.
The overall sentiment in the direction of the membership for this transfer is moderately adverse.
Brentford’s recruitment coverage is as a lot in regards to the expertise and potential of a participant as it’s their character. What have you ever discovered Kayode to be like in that respect?
He’s a tough employee and a participant who loves sacrificing himself for the staff. He has all the time had a fantastic relationship along with his team-mates, proving to be an ideal asset by way of character and perspective.
Do you suppose he may he play for the senior Italy staff sooner or later?
I consider he nonetheless has a whole lot of room to develop and might definitely attain the extent required to play for the Italian nationwide staff. He’s undoubtedly top-of-the-line prospects for his position in our nationwide squad.
